Night Moves

Fashion parties take over the city tonight

If you love shopping and you?re looking for a reason to hit the town tonight, there?s no better answer than Chicago?s version of the coast-to-coast phenomenon known as Fashion?s Night Out.

Created four years ago as an initiative to restore consumer confidence and boost the retail industry?s economy during the recession, the annual event has become a staple of the fashion crowd?s party circuit and is our own personal signal to start trotting out (and adding to) our fall wardrobes.

Malls, boutiques and department stores across the city are getting in on the action. A few of our recommended stops throughout the day include Blowtique (get ready to party with first-come, first-served complimentary blowouts from noon to 5 p.m. in the Gold Coast) and Neiman Marcus (blowouts, manicures and restaurant tastings from 6 to 8 p.m., plus a fall fashion show hosted by VH1 House of Consignment star and local It girl Corri McFadden at 7 p.m.). At the 900 North Michigan Shops, actress Ali Larter (Heroes) hosts a huge multilevel party with a fashion show styled by Eric Himel, food tastings curated by Groupon and a Glossed and Found photo booth.

All of the events are free, and partyers are encouraged to open their wallets with an array of discounts and special offers. Just one word of advice: Dress to impress.